“Stuck at Home”: Empowering Homebound Older Adults

Abstract

Homebound older adults are a highly vulnerable and isolated population that social workers serve. The objective of this study is to understand the daily needs and challenges of this group to understand how social workers can empower this population to enhance well-being and help meet basic human needs. Existing data was accessed from assessment forms at a local senior center to understand more about 502 home-delivered meal recipients.  Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed to see common characteristics and prevalent needs in the sample. Logistic regression analysis reveals that those who are living alone are 2.1 times more live-in poverty than those who live with someone. Likewise, those who are living alone are 8.4 times more at high nutritional risk than those who live with someone. Qualitative data revealed the importance of agency services and strong social supports to help older adults meet basic human needs on a daily basis. This article discusses what further can be done to support homebound older adults by identifying problem areas relating to living and eating alone.